The role of women in the Middle East has been greatly trivialized by Americans. It seems to be a widely held belief in our society that, throughout the entire area, all women are treated like dogs. The perception is that their husbands keep them locked up, escort them everywhere, beat them, and force them to cover their faces.
Women in many Middle Eastern countries, such as Iraq, (which I’m sure would surprise many Americans) are able to vote, and even hold political offices. The primary areas where women are being discriminated against are Saudi Arabia, where laws prohibit women from even driving, and Afghanistan, where Taliban rule has spread, and women have more recently begun to be discriminated against. With the help of other activists in the Middle East and in the United States, many of these women can attain freedom and equality with men.
The interesting thing is that religion does not seem to be a high priority among Saudi women. They respect their religion, their heritage, and their customs, and they do not necessarily want to remove their head coverings. "I don't think the 'abaya' is an issue in our country. We really value our Islamic traditions.” One Saudi Arabian protestor, Samar Fatani, said. There are some Saudi men who could be called feminists, who are willing to bend on certain issues. This exert, from “The Religious Consultations” explains one activists views on women’s issues.
"He says he would agree to let Saudi women have their own national
identification card, vote, and just maybe let them drive. But he is adamantly
against women working side by side with men, loosening or removing the
'abaya', or letting them travel without the consent of a male guardian."
In addition, the religion followed by Saudi Arabians, Islam, “gave women economic and social rights long before such rights were attained by Western women. From the beginning of Islam, women have been legally entitled to inherit and bequeath property, holding their wealth in their own names even after marriage, without obligation to contribute that wealth to their husband or their family.” As noted by The Saudi Arabian Market Information Research and Directory. This means that, while their may be some sexism in the country, it is not sanctioned by their religion, and being allowed to choose a religion other then Islam would not help them to attain more rights.
The organization Omid e Mehr has begun helping women in the Middle East. This organization rescues women in desperate situations, trains them, and allows them to become independent. One example is Nina, a girl who was taught by this organization, who has now become a talented rap artist (This is a good example of a dream whch has become sugary sweet). It is through organizations like this, and the support of them, that individuals gain power and the ability to truly make a difference in the lives of others, especially others that are far away. One person can easily help these organizations by volunteering in an area they’re expert in, or with donations. Particularly skilled individuals can further help the cause by assisting with fund raisers.
By helping out organizations like this one, you allow them to expand, and to help the greatest amount of people. On the small scope, the can help more individuals, and on a much larger scale, when they have the resources, human rights organizations like this one are able to petition the united nations in order to help a much larger group of people.
Every story of a woman who is rescued from prostitution, from death, or from subjugation is evidence of the ability of individuals, rather then merely government officials and policy makers, to make a difference in the lives of others.
Works Cited
Abukhalil, As'ad. "Women in the Middle East." Foreign Policy in Focus. Sept. 2000. 5 Mar. 2008 .
Omid E Mehr. 5 Mar. 2008 .
Peyman, Pejman. "Saudi Arabia: Women Say Religious Traditions Block Their Rights." The Religious Cosultation. 30 Mar. 2004. Inner Press Service. 5 Mar. 2008 .
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